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Perhaps one of the words that can sum up the experience is satisfaction. The satisfaction of sharing and promoting ideas with an international committee of young people, resulting in the growth of a community with a common goal, science, technological development and innovation.

One of the most satisfying moments of my YCN period was how we overcame the pandemic period. In a time when life seems to have stopped, we collaborated with a ray of light, launching our webinar series and a special issue of Open Ceramics dedicated to young professionals and researchers. We maintained the communication and activity between the community wh

ile the committee showed great professionalism in organizing the projects and activities.

Nowadays, I have the pleasure and satisfaction to observe how the new committee generations continue the work with engagement, enthusiasm and professionalism, while making our network grow even more and better. My sincere congratulations to all of them!

Another important work to describe the experience is learning. Learning to work in a team and in an international environment. This learning process enriches you and opens your mind. This experience teaches you to try to listen a lot before you speak. It teaches you that the best results come from a great team effort. It teaches you how diverse the world is and how much we humans have in common.

The third word that sums up my experience is networking. I learned how important networking is in professional life, but especially in science. A network is essential to apply for projects on a national and international level. But also, interdisciplinary interactions enrich our knowledge and inspire new ideas. And the wider the network, the more opportunities you have. Thanks to the YCN, I knew the people who offered me a postdoctoral position in France. Apart from the personal experience, it allowed me to continue my career in science and, also to get the tenured position as a professor at the university that I enjoy today.

Networking is so important that it is one of the main goals of the YCN. By helping to build a network of young professionals and researchers, we promote their career and ensures the science of the future. Moreover, international cooperation is essential to stablish the concept of science as a property of the humanity.

Finally, although it is another story, after 3 years in the YCN, the EcerS Board (Board of the European Ceramic Society) offered me to become part of its Permanent Executive Committee. It was an opportunity to continue learning about how to manage an international society dedicated to STEM. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the most renowned scientists and industrialists working in the field, people with great human values and exceptional vision of life.

Last but not least, I found great friends between YCN and EcerS. People who inspired me and made me believe in myself. Now, even when I departure alone towards a conference on the other side of the world, I know that I will find familiar faces and great experiences in the arrival destination.

Dr. Maria Canillas Pérez,

Higher Technical School of Industrial Engineers,

Universidad Politécnica de Madrid